Talking with Thalia: Local Nonprofit Promotes Bike, E-Bike and Scooter Safety

As summer kicks into high gear, children across the Coachella Valley are spending more time outdoors riding bikes, e-bikes and scooters. But with the increase in riders comes an important reminder: safety first.

On this week's Talking with Thalia, Chelsea Clark of the local nonprofit For Shay J, spoke about her family's organization dedicated to educating children about helmet safety and preventing tragic accidents.

Clark's mission is deeply personal. Eleven years ago, she lost her older brother, Shay Jay, in an accident while he wasn't wearing a helmet.

"He was an amazing musician and an incredible human being," Clark said. "Keeping his spirit alive and helping others has become our purpose."

The nonprofit visits schools and community events throughout the Coachella Valley to teach children about the importance of wearing helmets and provides helmets to families who may not be able to afford them.

While traditional bicycles remain popular, Clark says the organization has increasingly focused on the growing popularity of e-bikes and scooters.

"People don't realize how fast these e-bikes actually go," she said. "That makes them even more dangerous."

The nonprofit recently received a major boost after earning second place in last year's local Fast Pitch competition, taking home $17,000 in grant funding.

"We're using that money to purchase 10,000 helmets for this coming school year," Clark said.

The impact of their work is already being felt throughout the community.

Clark recalled the story of a middle school student named Gabriel, who initially declined a helmet after one of the organization's presentations. He later changed his mind and accepted one.

"Just a week later, he was struck by a car," Clark said. "Our helmet saved his life."

Stories like Gabriel's continue to motivate Clark and her family as they turn their personal tragedy into a life-saving mission.

As e-bikes and scooters become increasingly popular among children and teens, safety advocates urge parents to pay close attention to age restrictions and ensure their children always wear helmets.

Clark's message is simple:

"Wear a helmet. Always. For Shay J."